1. What are important factors to consider when shooting a portrait?
When shooting a portrait, the subject should always face the camera. The subject should be positioned at least 4 feet or 5 feet in front of the backdrop or background, so a shadow won’t be casted.
Light sources that are distant and small cast sharp shadows with high contrast, with the angle of the light coming from one main direction. Light sources that are bigger and closer cast softer shadows with low contrast, with the angle of the light coming from various directions.
2. What is the difference between broad and short lighting?
Broad lighting is used in a 3/4th quarter view, placing the light on the side of the ear that is visible. A broad highlight should appear on the subject’s hair. Narrow, or short lighting is used by placing the light on the side of the ear that is visible.
3. In a classic basic portrait set up, what is the function of the main light?
Main light is the light that is mainly in focus in a picture.
4. In a classic basic portrait set up, what is the function of the fill light?
Fill light is when you add light to the shadow or the side of the face that’s not lit, by using a reflector.
5. In a classic basic portrait set up, what is the function of the background light?
Background light is when the lighting in the background separates the subject from the whole picture, adding depth to the photograph as a whole.
